Series16 May 2014


Foot healing fast, Lavillenie gets an advance look at China – IAAF online diaries

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Renaud Lavillenie on the Sopot pier (© Getty Images)

“Hi everybody! I am glad to give you some news from China, just before participating in the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai on Sunday.

“As you know, I had to rest during a long period of time after having broken the World record, in order to let my foot heal, after my injury in Donetsk.

“Then, I went to a training camp in the USA, in San Diego. It was the first time that I had practiced over there at this time of the year. The weather conditions were very good. It was not too hot oo I was able to train very well.

“It was not easy due to my foot injury, especially at the beginning. I felt a slight pain, but I strengthened it gradually. I started to rediscover my rhythm at the Drake Relays in Des Moines last month. The indoor event in a shopping centre and the following outdoor competition went off well, since I cleared 5.70m twice, with a 16 strides run-up. It was better than last year.

“Just to give you some news about my health. My foot gets better and better. The pain is gradually easing, so I make progress, but I still have a small hard spot at the arch of the foot.

“I think that I will not have any pain anymore within one month, which will allow me to run totally freely and to go flat out.

“I have inevitably changed my status since my World record. At the Drake Relays, when I went to watch the women’s competition, I did not pass unnoticed like before, but there is no crush just yet!

“I took part in our French inter-clubs competition a few days ago. It is a team competition where athletes help provide points to their clubs. I represent Clermont Athlétisme Auvergne, and I participated in the 110m hurdles (15.22) and long jump (6.97m), as usual. They are events which allow me to take my mind off pole vault and I do pretty well each time! This competition was a real pleasure for me.

“I am now in Shanghai, for the second Diamond League meeting of the year. My goal is to win and get four points in order to win a fifth Diamond Race trophy this year. I will still take a shorter run-up, since this is still the beginning of the season. If clearing 5.80m allows me to win, I will be happy.

“Furthermore, Shanghai will give me a small preview of what China is like, one year before the IAAF World Championships in Beijing!

“See you soon! Renaud.”

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